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The Farmer's Almanac
says it's going to be a cold winter. Granted, the Farmers Almanac
always
says its going to be a cold winter, but lets face it: we live in the Northeast. And theres nothing that can make you regret not living in the tropics quite like getting into your car on a frigid morning only to find it wont start.

If you're among the unfortunate masses that don't have a garage, a block heater might be a purchase worth considering. It's a small electric engine heater that plugs in to your home's wiring via a regular, 120-volt AC plug. Block heaters are practically de rigueur in places where nighttime temperatures are consistently frigid, and in particular for owners of diesel-powered vehicles, which have a rough time starting in extremely cold weather.

For about $100 (on
amazon.com
, for example), you can virtually guarantee your car will start, even on the coldest New England mornings. And you'll also have instant heat in the morning when you start the car, which is always a perk.

Just try to remember not to drive off with your car still plugged into your house.